King Charles will celebrate his 78th birthday on Saturday as a special guest on Elton John’s Apple Music 1 show, Rocket Hour.
Recorded last month at Apple’s new radio studios in London, the episode will premiere at 9 a.m. GMT on his birthday.
The conversation explores the power of music and celebrates the performers who have supported The King’s Trust over the past 50 years. It also highlights newer artists whose careers the charity has helped launch.
“Music has always been at the heart of The Prince’s, and now The King’s Trust,” Charles said, according to a press release.
He explained that he could not resist the chance to share music from both the established performers who have supported the charity and the emerging talent it has helped.
The special revisits memorable fundraising events, including the Wembley Arena Rock Galas of the 1980s, concerts in Hyde Park and sold-out performances at the Royal Albert Hall. Its playlist features artists including Raye and Skye Newman.
Apple and the charity have also launched Apple x King’s Trust Creative Labs, offering workshops that give young people access to technology and help them develop skills for creative careers.
During the episode, John reflects on how much encouragement can mean to an emerging performer. Drawing on his experience hosting Rocket Hour, he says supporting a young artist and showing faith in their talent can make a lasting difference. He also praises The King’s Trust for its work with young people.
Muse receives a special mention. When the band was known as Rocket Baby Dolls, it received a grant from the charity to buy sound equipment. In 2018, the group returned that support by playing a sold-out fundraising concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
The birthday broadcast follows The King’s Music Room, an Apple Music programme recorded at Buckingham Palace in 2025.
